The Cardinia community in South East Melbourne today celebrated the opening of their new Bunyip Sports Multipurpose Auditorium and the completion of four further local community infrastructure projects.

David Feeney, Senator for Victoria, was in Cardinia to officially mark the completion of the projects at a concert and ceremony at the new Auditorium.

Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, said the Rudd Labor Government provided $1.1 million to the Cardinia Shire Council for the five projects – including the Auditorium - from the $1 billion Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program.

“The Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program is a key part of our Economic Stimulus Plan and is delivering local jobs in communities across Australia by building infrastructure for the long term,” Mr Albanese said.

“Importantly 36 jobs were supported during construction of the Cardinia Shire projects and more employment opportunities are expected to be created on an ongoing basis.”

“It is a pleasure to be here in Cardinia to celebrate the completion of these projects,” Senator Feeney said.

“Amongst other things, the new auditorium includes seating for 250 people, basketball and netball courts, a portable stage, a kitchen, landscaping and access for people with a disability,” he said.

“It is expected the auditorium will now attract high level sporting events and in the longer-term increase tourism and create economic and health benefits for users and the broader Cardinia community.

“The four further completed projects include the Beaconsfield Recreation Reserve Upgrade, the Gembrook Community Centre, the Koo Wee Rup Streetscape project and the Koo Wee Rup Trail and Park upgrade.

“These projects will provide lasting benefits to the whole community.”

In partnership with every council in the country the Rudd Labor Government is delivering more than 3,300 small and larger scale building projects like these, including new and refurbished public libraries, sporting facilities, parks and playgrounds, and child care centres.

“In fact, we’re making the single largest federal investment in community infrastructure through the Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. The Program’s remaining $220 million will be made available to councils in coming months, with the Cardinia Shire Council set to receive at least another $496,000,” Mr Albanese said.

“This additional funding will support even more local jobs and rebuild even more of the nation’s vital community infrastructure.”

Minister Albanese and Senator Feeney congratulated the Cardinia Shire Council and the local community for helping deliver these first class community facilities and for helping build a stronger region for the future.